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This website is created and managed by Marcial
Designs 2008.
Last updated: January 30, 2008
| | Essential
Oils
AROMATIC ESSENTIAL OILS
How Essential Oils are Used
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they need to be used with
care. Apply them by the drop. The general rules are to add them to your bath or
to dilute them in carrier oils, such as sweet almond, jojoba, sesame, canola,
hazelnut or grape seed, before using topically. They can also be diffused in the
air. Select essential oils with similar properties and blend together to create
your own unique aromas. To preserve your oils, always store them tightly closed
in a cool place. Heat will cause the oils to evaporate and the light will alter
them chemically, reducing their effectiveness.
Which Oils to Choose?
Using Essential Oils while at
Home
-
As an Air Freshener: Enhance your home
naturally. Many of the synthetic commercial air fresheners merely mask smells,
but essential oils cleanse the air. Not only can they make your rooms smell
pleasantly but in recent scientific studies have demonstrated that some
essential oils have disinfectant properties while others have a positive
impact on your mood.
-
Use the fresh smell of citruses or invigorating scent of
Peppermint in the kitchen; use the purifying smell of Eucalyptus or Rosemary
in a sickroom; or use lavender in the family room for calming and comfort.
-
Add 10 drops of your favorite oil to each ounce of water in
a spray bottle. Shake well before using. For longer lasting effect, place
oils in a diffuser, lamp ring or add to water in a simmering potpourri pot.
-
Use In the Kitchen: Put a few drops of
Lemon and Eucalyptus in your soft soap by the kitchen sink. Make sure to mix
well.
-
Use Lemon, Eucalyptus or Lavender in rinse water when wiping
the table or working surfaces.
-
Add any to the citruses to your dishwater for a natural
zing.
-
Soak your washcloths and dish towels in a mixture of Lemon,
Lavender and Tea Tree after each use and before washing them.
-
Use for House Plants: To fight bugs naturally ,
spay plants with Basil and Lemongrass mixed in water.
-
Use in the Bath:
Add no more than 8-10 drops to
your bath. Use less if your skin is sensitive. Stir the water briskly to
disperse evenly. Alternatively, add 10-20 drops of oils to 1 ounce of carrier
oil. Mix well. Add desired amount to bath and stir briskly.
-
For Skin Care:
Add 10-20 drops of
essential oils to 1 ounce of carrier oil, unscented natural lotion or cream.
Use less if you skin is sensitive or for children or the elderly. Mix well
before using.
-
Dry Skin - Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Palmarosa.
-
Oily Skin - Lavender, Carrot Seed, Cypress, Bergamot, and
Ylang-Ylang.
-
Aged (or Rough) Skin - Carrot, Frankincense, Yarrow.
-
Blemishes - Clary Sage, Bergamot, Elemi.
-
For Hair Care:
Add essential oils of choice to
unscented natural shampoos and conditioners. Use 10-20 drops per ounce. Choose
oils specific for you hair type. Mix well before using.
-
Normal Hair - Lavender, Rosemary
-
Dry Hair - Geranium, Sandalwood
-
Oily Hair - Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Rosemary
-
Head Lice - Tea Tree
-
For Congestion: Eucalyptus, Basil, Tea Tree,
Rosemary.
Using Essential Oils while at
Work
Put a few drops of essential oils on a tissue or on some cotton
balls and place in a plastic bag to keep longer.
-
To help you focus - Rosemary, Peppermint, Basil, Lemon, Black
Pepper or Cardamon.
-
To Stay alert - Lemon, Peppermint, Grapefruit, Rosemary.
-
To calm nerves, reduce stress and relax (after a hard day) -
Ylang-Ylang, Lavender.
Using Essential Oils while
Traveling
-
Put Lavender and Geranium on a tissue to help alleviate stress
and anxiety of traveling.
-
In the Car - Peppermint, Grapefruit or Rosemary to help you
stay alert while driving and manage anger and irritation associated with
traffic.
-
To freshen up after a long journey use Lemon or any citrus
-
To help overcome jetlag - put Peppermint and Eucalyptus in
your bath or in water in a basin using a washcloth to wipe the solution over
your body.
Using Essential Oils while
Outside
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Essential Oils Reference Chart
| OIL |
SKIN TREATMENT PURPOSE |
EMOTIONAL |
| NORMAL |
 |
|
| Chamomile |
Softening; Soothing Anti-inflammatory |
Appeasing |
| Lavender |
Softening; Healing; Oil Control |
Calming |
| Marjoram |
Astringent; Analgesic |
Calming |
| Orange |
Softening; Anti-wrinkle |
Sedative |
| Petit grain |
Softening; Anti-wrinkle |
Refreshing |
| Rosemary |
Healing; Rejuvenating |
Uplifting; Antidepressant |
| Tangerine |
Drainer |
Soothing; Sedative |
| Ylang-Ylang |
Oil Control |
Calming' Euphoric |
| DRY SENSITIVE |
|
|
| Bergamot |
Controls eczema and Seborrhea |
Antidepressant |
| Cedar wood |
Controls dermatitis and eczema |
Relaxing |
| Clove |
Healing; Analgesic |
Intellectual Stimulant |
| Nutmeg |
Analgesic |
Stimulant |
| Palma Rosa |
Moisturizer; Cell Regenerator |
* |
| Patchouli |
Tissue Regenerator; Anti-inflammatory |
Calming |
| Petit grain |
Softening; Anti-wrinkle |
Refreshing |
| Rosewood |
Cell Regenerator |
Uplifting |
| Vetiver |
Anti-irritant |
Sedative |
| Ylang-Ylang |
Oil Control |
Calming' Euphoric |
| MUSCULAR RELIEF |
|
|
| Birch |
Arthritis and Muscular Pain Relief |
Energy Balance |
| Chamomile |
Healing; Softening; Anti-inflammatory |
Calming |
| Clove |
Analgesic; Antiseptic |
Intellectual Stimulant |
| Juniper |
Relieves rheumatism and irritated skin |
Calming |
| Rosemary |
Healing |
Appeasing; Uplifting |
| Thyme |
Healing; Anti-inflammatory |
Anti-depressant |
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Properties of Essential Oils
| Basil |
Anti-bacterial, anti-infections,
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic (powerful), anti-viral,
decongestant, nerve stimulant, uplifting, migraines |
| Bergamot |
Analgesic, anti-bacterial (strep throat/staph
infections), anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, sedative, uplifting, refreshing,
anxiety, depression, stress and tension; digestive system, emotional
balance, skin. |
| Birch |
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant (bone),
warming; muscular pain, cramps, hypertension, sensory awareness; muscles
and bones. |
| Cedarwood |
Anti-fungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic,
astringent, diuretic, insect repellant, sedative, purifying; nervous
tension, calming effect for anger; nervous and respiratory systems. |
| Chamomile, Roman |
Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
anti-parasitic, antispasmodic, calming, relaxing; neutralizes allergies,
skin regeneration; depression, anxiety, stress, irritability, nervousness,
dispels anger, stabilizes emotion, soothing and clearing to the mind,
promotes peace and patience. |
| Clary Sage |
Anti-convulsive, anti-fungal, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, astringent, nerve tonic, sedative, soothing, tonic,
warming; hormonal imbalance, cramps, PMS, pre-menopause; enhances dream
state, brings about euphoria; hormone system. |
| Clove Bud |
Analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-infectious,
anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, immune stimulant. Speeds healing of mouth
and skin sores. |
| Coriander |
Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-fungal,
antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, stimulant (cardiac, nervous,
circulatory) anti-inflammatory, sedative, lovers glucose, supports
pancreas, muscular aches, nervous exhaustion, migraine, digestive
system, lo physical energy, stress, irritability nervousness, shock and
fear. |
| Eucalyptus Radiata |
Anti-bacterial, anti catarrhal,
anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, expectorant; respiratory
system. |
| Frangipani |
Assist in restoring peace and harmony,
refreshes, assists in deep cleansing - letting go of "old
issues" |
| Geranium |
Anti-depressant, antiseptic, astringent,
diuretic, insect repellant, refreshing, relaxing, sedative, tonic,
releases negative memories, takes up to peaceful, joyful moments, eases
nervous tension and stress balances emotions, liver chakra, hormonal
imbalance lifts spirits, fosters peace, well-being and hope; skin ,
emotional balance. |
| Ginger |
Antiseptic, laxative, stimulant, tonic,
warming; digestive disorders, motion sickness, muscular pain; digestive
system, nervous system. |
| Grapefruit |
Anti-depressant, antiseptic, disinfectant,
diuretic, stimulant, tonic; fatigue, drug withdrawal, cleansing for
kidneys, balancing, uplifting, relieves anxiety; cardiovascular system. |
| Jasmine |
Anti-catarrhal, anti-depressant, antispasmodic;
opens doors to emotions, produces feelings of confidence, energy,
euphoria, and optimism, reduces anxiety, apathy and depression,
relationships; emotional balance, hormonal system. |
|
Joy |
An exotic blend of lemon (Citrus lemon),
Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata), bergamot (Citrus bergamina),
mandarin (Citrus reticulata), rose (Rosa damascena), and rose
geranium that produces an uplifting magnetic energy bringing joy to the heart.
When worn as a perfume, it exudes an alluring and irresistible fragrance that
inspires romance and togetherness. When diffused, it can be refreshing and
uplifting. |
| Juniper berry |
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cleaner,
detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant, tonic; kidney and liver problems muscle
aches, nerve function and regeneration, wounds,; evokes feelings of health
love and peace, elevates spiritual awareness; digestive and nervous
systems, emotional balance. |
|
Lavender |
Universal oil, analgesic, anti-coagulant,
anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, antihistamine,
anti-infections, anti inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic,
cardio tonic, regenerative, sedative; burns, balancing body systems,
bruises, stress, promotes consciousness, health, love peace and well-
being; cardiovascular system, emotional balance, muscles and bones,
nervous system, skin. Lavender is the most versatile of all
essential oils and has been highly regarded as soothing to the skin. The French
scientist Rene Gattefosse was the first to discover these properties when he
severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. It can be used to cleanse
cuts, bruises, scrapes, and skin irritations. Lavender has also been
studies for its relaxing effects both physically and emotionally. Lavender is
one of the most versatile of all essential oils, it soothes and relaxes,
cleanses and soothes cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. It is calming,
relaxing and balancing, both physically and emotionally. |
|
Lemon |
Antiseptic, antiviral, astringent,
invigorating, refreshing, tonic; anxiety, blood cell formation, liver
problems, lymphatic cleansing, digestive problems, nervous conditions,
promotes healing, physical energy and purification, fragrance is
invigorating, enhancing and warming; digestive, immune and respiratory
systems. Lemon is a bactericidal and helps activate the
white corpuscles of the immune system. It can serve as an insect repellent
and may be beneficial for the skin. |
| Lime |
Anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antiviral,
restorative, tonic, stimulating, refreshing,; similar to lemon, tightens
skin and connective tissue, exhaustion, depression, listlessness,;
digestive, immune and respiratory systems. |
| Niaouli |
Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal (strong),
anti-inflammatory (prostate and nerves), antiseptic, antiviral, digestive
tonic, protector against radiation, tissue regenerator (strong);
respiratory allergies, infections, muscles and bones, respiratory system
(see Tea Tree) |
| Orange |
Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
digestive, sedative, tonic; angina (false), cardiac spasm, dyspepsia,
palpitation, emotional support; digestive system, emotional balance,
skin. |
| Patchouli |
Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antifungal,
antiseptic, antitoxic, astringent, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic
insecticidal, stimulant (digestive), tonic; digestive toxic material in
body, allergies, dermatitis, fevers, tissue regeneration, anxiety, it is
calming, relaxing and sedating; skin. |
|
Peppermint |
Analgesic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory
(prostate and nerves), antiseptic, antispasmodic, invigorating; asthma,
bronchitis, Candida, digestive aid, headache, nausea, respiratory aid,
fatigues; purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind, reduces fevers,
increases mental accuracy; digestive, hormone, nervous and respiratory
systems, muscles and bones. Peppermint is good for soothing the digestive
system and has ability to affect the liver and respiration. Scientists have also
researched peppermint's role in affecting impaired taste and smell and mental
accuracy when inhaled. Studies have shown peppermint's ability to improve
concentration and in triggering weight loss. |
| Rosewood |
Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious,
anti-parasitic, antiviral; acne, skin Candida, skin elasticity, tissue
regeneration, wounds; appeasing to the mind, relaxing to the body; skin. |
| Sage |
Anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, decongestant, diuretic, disinfectant, estrogen-like;
respiratory infections, menstrual difficulties, digestive complaints,
inflammations of mouth and throat, strengthens senses and memory, estrogen
and progesterone-testosterone balance,; depression, mental fatigue and
strain; hormone system. |
| Sandalwood |
Anti-depressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac,
astringent, calming, sedative and tonic; similar to Frankincense, enhances
mediation, removes negative programming from cells, nervous tension,
supports cardiovascular system, skin regeneration; calms harmonizes and
balances emotions, opens third eye, vibrates between 7th and 1st chakras;
emotional balance, muscle and bone and skin. |
| Spearmint |
Anti-bacterial anti-catarrhal, antifungal,
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, hormone-like, insecticidal,
stimulant; bronchitis, hypertension, increases metabolism, well being;
releases emotional blocks, lifts spirits; digestive system, emotional
balance. |
| Spruce |
Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic, cortisone-like, disinfectant, tonic, arthritis,
immune-depression, rheumatism, stimulates thymus and adrenals; grounds
body, creates balance, releases emotional blocks; nervous and respiratory
systems. |
| Tea Tree |
Analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,
anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, strong
antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, digestive, expectorant,
immune-stimulant, insecticidal, neuro-tonic, stimulant, tissue
regenerator; immune-building, colds, rash, skin healing, fungal
infections, warts wounds; promotes cleansing and purity; respiratory
system. |
| Vanilla |
Promotes relaxation to viscera |
| Violet Leaf |
Anxiety |
| Ylang-Ylang |
Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
sedative, tonic; anxiety, arterial hypertension, mental fatigue,
palpitations, balances male and female energies, lowers blood pressure,
frustration, enhances relations hips, calming and relaxing, helps with
anger and low self-esteem,; cardiovascular and hormone systems. |
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Guidelines for Safe Use of Essential Oils:
- Exercise caution when applying essential oils to the skin that has been
exposed to cosmetics, personal care products, soaps, and cleansers
containing synthetic chemicals. Some of them - especially petroleum-based
chemicals can penetrate and remain in the skin and fatty tissues for days or
even weeks. Essential oils may react with such chemical and cause skin
irritation, nausea, headaches, or other uncomfortable effects.
- Essential oils can react with toxins built up in the body form chemicals
in food, water, and work environment.
- If you experience a reaction to essential oils. discontinue use contact
your health care provider or physician.
- Always keep a bottle of V-6 Mixing Oil or any pure vegetable oil handy
when using essential oils. Vegetable oils dilute essential oils if they
cause discomfort or skin irritation.
- Keep bottles of essential oils tightly closed and store in a cool location
away from light. If stored properly, essential oils will maintain their
potency for many years.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Treat them as you would any
product for therapeutic use.
- Essential oils rich in menthol (such as peppermint) should not be used on
the throat or neck area of children under 30 months of age.
- Direct sunlight and essential oils: Lemon, bergamot, orange, grapefruit,
tangerine, White Angelica, an d other citrus oils may cause a rash or darker
pigmentation if applied to skin exposed to direct sunlight of UV rays within
3-4 days.
- Keep essential oils away form eye area and do not put into ears. Do not
handle contact lenses or rub eyes with essential oils on your fingers. Oils
with high phenol content - oregano, cinnamon, thyme, clove, lemongrass,
bergamot, Thieves, and ImmuPower - may damage contact and irritate eyes.
- Pregnant women should consult their health care professional before
using essential oils and avoid Idaho tansy and oils containing constituents
with hormone-like activity, such as clary sage, sage and fennel.
- Epileptics and people with high blood pressure should consult a health
care professional before using essential oils. Avoid hyssop, fennel, and
Idaho tansy oils.
- people with allergies should test a small amount of oil on a small area of
sensitive skin, such as the inside of the arm, before applying the oil on
other areas. The bottom of the feet is one of the safest, most effective
places to use essential oils.
- Before taking Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS)* essential oils internally, always dilute with an oil
soluble liquid like hoe, olive oil or soy milk
- Do not add undiluted essential oils directly to bath water. Use bath gel
base as a dispersing agent for all oils applied to our bath.
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|
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
Call your local poison control center if ingested. Do
not use directly on skin. Always dilute to 3% with a carrier oil (
such as sweet almond, jojoba, sesame, canola, hazelnut, olive oil, or
grape seed), or unscented lotion before using topically. Use a 1% dilution
for sensitive skin or for children and the elderly. Test on a small patch
of skin first.
Keep oils tightly closed and bottles out of reach of children.
Do not take
the oils internally unless prescribed for you by a properly qualified physician.
Do not use if you are pregnant, epileptic, or have high or low blood
pressure until you discuss it with your physician. Keep away from eyes.
Should oil get into the eye, wash with water thoroughly for 15 minutes.
Consult your health care professional about any serious disease or
injury. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural
substances, such as essential oils, for serious heath conditions that
require professional attention. |
*regarded as safe by the FDA
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| |
"The Paved Highway of Belief through touch and
sight leads straightest into the human heart and the precints of the mind."-
Lucretius
As long as the spirit is strong, the body will follow
for the body is forever the slave of your mind and can be willed to achieve
great feats.
A strong positive mental attitude will create more
miracles than any wonder drug.
Brenda Marcial
|
